Symphony of the Hills to mark July 4 with a free concert, flag art and a tribute to the flood’s 119 victims

Kerrville’s Symphony of the Hills will present a free concert at the Cailloux Theater on July 4, pairing a celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday with a tribute to the 119 people who died in last year’s flood — a program that falls on the disaster’s first anniversary.

The “Stars, Stripes and Spirit” concert begins at 4 p.m., with the lobby opening at 3. Admission is free and seating is first-come, first-served. The theater is at 910 Main St., and parking is free.

Eugene Dowdy, the symphony’s conductor and artistic director, said the program marks the country’s semiquincentennial while remembering the flood.

“The symphony concert celebrates our nation’s semiquincentennial and remembers the tragedy and heroic responses in our community,” Dowdy said. “Special guest participation in the concert will include a musical selection where names of the 119 who perished in Kerr County will be read.”

The program’s performance of Bach’s “Air on the G String” is dedicated to those lost and affected on July 4, 2025. Dowdy said guest dignitaries have been invited to take part.

Before the concert, the public can view nine original paintings of historic American flags by artist Robert “Bobby” Cahill. His “Freedom” series traces how the flag has changed since 1776 alongside the historical events behind those changes.

The program draws on American standards, with Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring narrating Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait” and soprano Sarah Davis singing “God Bless America” and “Amazing Grace.” The full lineup:

• “Fanfare for the Common Man” — Aaron Copland
• “God Bless America” — Irving Berlin (Sarah Davis, soprano)
• “American Salute” — Morton Gould
• “A Texas State of Mind” — Joe Stuessy
• “Lincoln Portrait” — Aaron Copland (Mayor Joe Herring, narrator)
• “Daughters of the American Revolution” — J. Bodewalt Lampe
• “Air on the G String” — J.S. Bach (dedicated to those lost and affected on July 4, 2025)
• “The Year 1812, Solemn Overture” — Tchaikovsky
• “God Bless the U.S.A.” — Lee Greenwood
• “The Stars and Stripes Forever” — John Philip Sousa
• “Amazing Grace” — (Sarah Davis, soprano)

The concert is supported by Kerr 250, Broadway Bank and Chris Cheever, and the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. More information is available at symphonyofthehills.org or 830-792-7469.